(NaturalNews) Cayenne pepper, also known as capsicum, adds flavor to your food and has some impressive health benefits. Cayenne stimulates blood flow and can help burn body fat. It also fights inflammation and stimulates digestion, which helps break down food for better nutrient absorption. Cayenne is also a warming herb that has the power to significantly reduce pain.

Cayenne fights diseases of the circulatory system

Cayenne is a catalyst. It's added to many herbal blends to help them perform better. Clinical studies conducted with cayenne pepper and ginkgo biloba have revealed that ginkgo is 75% more effective when used with cayenne due to cayenne's ability to improve circulation. This single attribute make cayenne pepper especially useful for individuals with poor circulation. This evidence shows that cayenne pepper can help fight diseases of the circulatory system, such as:

Atherosclerosis: fatty plaque build up within the arteries, causing the arteries to hardenMyocardial infarction: a blockage of blood flow that results in the death of the muscle tissueAngina pectoris: chest pain caused by a lack of blood flow to the heart muscleSpider veins or varicose veins: caused by the pooling of blood in valves and veins that then build up pressure, causing the veins to break down

Cayenne and weight loss

Cayenne pepper can be used to boost a fat-burning workout. Studies have shown that cayenne can increase the body's process of melting excess fat and converting it into energy, known as fat oxidation. Cayenne pepper increases fat oxidation by 42% when used with exercise. In some trials, cayenne pepper has proven helpful in decreasing appetite, furthering its ability to help with weight loss. A general recommendation would be to drink a half of a teaspoon of powdered cayenne pepper in eight ounces of water or juice 30 to 60 minutes before a workout.

Clinical studies have shown capsaicin cream to be effective as a temporary pain reliever when used topically. Cayenne's pain relieving properties are attributed to its ability to inhibit substance P, which is a neuropeptide associated with inflammatory pain processes. Creams containing cayenne pepper can be used for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, post surgery pain, neuropathy, psoriasis and shingles.

Cayenne pepper can also help heal ulcers. It's commonly believed that spicy foods cause peptic ulcers, but that information is incorrect. According to Dr. George F. Longstreth of Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program in San Diego, most peptic ulcers are caused by bacterial infections, primarily H.pylori. Overuse of some medications, such as Advil and Motrin, are also common causes of ulcers because they cause acid production in the stomach, which damages the stomach lining. Cayenne pepper helps neutralize acid. Sipping cayenne pepper tea can help heal a peptic ulcer. Capsaicin, the active compound in cayenne peppers, can repair a damaged stomach lining and protect the colon, according to the Medical University of Pecs.

Cayenne pepper is generally safe for most people. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Since cayenne is a catalyst, it can multiply the strength of medications and other herbs, so please be sure to use caution and logic when using it. When introducing cayenne pepper into the body for the fist time, it's best to use it once a day and work upward from there, following the body's tolerance level.

Click here to read more about healing with cayenne pepper by the author, Jeanette Padilla.